Donna Adkins

Donna Whobrey Adkins (born 1940) is an American singer, composer, and hymnwriter whose ministry has spanned several decades. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, she began performing publicly at the age of two and grew up in a family that traveled as a singing quartet. By age twelve, she was accompanying the group on piano, demonstrating both musical talent and a commitment to worship from an early age.

Adkins pursued formal studies at Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky, and the University of Louisville. In 1959, she married James Adkins, who later served as pastor of administration at Covenant Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this time, Donna contributed to the church’s music ministry, serving on staff in various capacities. She and her husband later moved to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and she currently resides with him in Brunswick, Georgia, having been married for over sixty years. The couple has four children: Mark, Karen, Kristen, and Jessica.

Donna Adkins is best known for her hymnwriting and devotional songs, many of which have been translated into multiple languages including Arabic, Polish, and Spanish. Her most widely sung hymn, Father, we love you, we worship and adore you, has been adopted by congregations worldwide. Her works are marked by heartfelt devotion, scriptural grounding, and accessibility for congregational singing, reflecting her lifelong dedication to leading others in worship. Through her music, Adkins has made a lasting impact on contemporary hymnody and continues to inspire both musicians and worshippers globally.